CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: When we talk about sustainability, what does it really mean? What is the most sustainable T-shirt? I believe the most sustainable T-shirt is the one you are wearing right now.” These were the words of environmentalist Lokendra Thakkar, associated with EPCO (Environmental Planning and Coordination Organization), during a talk on “Environment, Journalism, and Us” held on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the late Pushpendra Pal Singh (PP Sir).
Thakkar described PP Sir’s personality as environmentally friendly, saying that he practiced sustainable living in his personal life. He remarked, “I never saw Pushpendra wearing different or branded clothes. From Pushpendra, we learn the values of a sustainable lifestyle. He was a living legend from whom we should all draw inspiration.”
PP Sir’s Proper Use of Paper
Thakkar reminisced that Pushpendra always used paper wisely. He explained the concept of “back of the envelope calculation,” noting how people used envelopes for calculations. The use of tissue paper has increased significantly in recent times, which wasn’t common before. Earlier, people used cloth instead of tissues.
Technology Has Eased Journalism but Also Brought Challenges
Speaking about technology in journalism, Thakkar said that both the environment and journalism face significant challenges. Technology has made reporting easier, but what you write has become increasingly important. Practicing impartial journalism has become difficult, and journalists have to work through many obstacles.
Remembering PP Sir
The event was attended by PP Sir’s students, colleagues, and family members, who shared their memories of him. Senior journalist Pankaj Shukla recalled PP Sir as a person without enemies, saying, “He was like an Ajatashatru, he never considered anyone his enemy.” Shukla also credited him with teaching how to read and understand the written word, and how to recognize its value. Senior journalist Sandeep Kumar mentioned that PP Sir had an amazing ability to read time. He worked for others without any expectations, and this is a quality we should all learn. He taught us how to progress in our profession by setting aside personal preferences.
PP Sir’s younger sister, Yogita Singh, shared that although he was her older brother, he raised her like a daughter. She mentioned that he never paid attention to his health and, even when sick with a fever, would say, “I’m fine,” and continue working. She added, “Though he was my brother, I now feel that he had some extraordinary power, as if he were like Swami Vivekananda.”
